Juventus's Giorgio Chiellini ruled out of Champions League final

The news of the loss of their defender will come as a serious blow to the Italian champions who face Barcelona in Berlin on Saturday evening.

A statement on the Serie A club's website read: "Giorgio Chiellini underwent tests after reporting discomfort in his calf on Wednesday. The scan revealed a first grade tear of the soleus muscle in his left leg, meaning the defender will miss Saturday’s final with Barcelona." 

The injury comes as a huge blow to Massimiliano Allegri's side as they look to thwart Barca's attacking trio of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez. 

The injury means Chiellini will be unable to line up against Suarez for what would have been the first time since the Uruguay international was banned for biting him at the World Cup finals in Brazil last year.

It was to be Chiellini's first Champions League final and his place is expected to be taken by Andrea Barzagli, who returned to training on Wednesday following his own, recent injury knock.